Stem cells can trigger cancers! Two independent groups of researchers have shown this, explaining the reasons behind this, also suggesting a way of screening cells for this risk reduction.

Comparing the stem cells’ gene activity patterns from healthy and cancerous tissue, the teams discovered that those from cancers were often locked in a state in which — instead of maturing into specific tissues such as the breast or ovary — they go on multiplying as primitive stem cells.

The deactivation of a group of genes — polycomb genes — seems to trigger the change. Ian Jacobs, director of the lab at University College London where one study was carried out said,

When they’re in this state they divide more, and in the process may accumulate additional mutations which ultimately turn them cancerous.

He also suggests screening cells for telltale methylation patterns for removing the dangerous ones, which could also be an early cancer diagnosing process.